New Delhi, Jan. 12 -- Supporters of Nepal's deposed royal family rallied in the capital on Sunday demanding the restoration of the monarchy ahead of March elections.

It was the first rally by supporters of ousted King Gyanendra since a wave of violent demonstrations by disgruntled youth in September installed an interim government that set fresh parliamentary elections in March.

"We love our king. Bring back the king," the rally participants chanted around the statue of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who started the Shah dynasty in the 18th century. The last Shah king - Gyanendra - was forced to step down and the monarchy was abolished in 2008, making Nepal a republic.

"The last and only alternative for this country is king and monarchy on...